Biology subjects

Lebel, C.

Publications and source records attributed to Lebel, C..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2018

Time efficient preparation methods for MRI brain scanning in awake young children and factors associated with success

ObjectiveYoung children are often unable to remain still for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Various preparation methods have been reported to avoid sedation or anesthesia, with mixed success rates and feasibility. Here we describe a time-efficient preparation method and factors associated with successful scanning in young chdilren.\n\nWe recruited 134 children aged 2.0-5.0 years for an MRI study. Some children completed a training session on a mock scanner, and all children received a 15-20 minute introduction to scanning procedures immediately before their scan. We compared success between children receiving mock scanner training or not, and evaluated demographic or cognitive factors that predicted success.\n\nResults97 children (72%) completed at least one sequence successfully; 64 children provided high-quality data for all 3 sequences. Cognitive scores were higher in successful children, but children who received mock scanner training were less likely to be successful. A case-controlled comparison of children matched on age, gender, and cognitive scores found no differences between children receiving training or not.\n\nWe present a quick method for preparing young children for awake MRI scans. Our data suggests limited advantages of mock scanner preparation for healthy young children, and that cognitive abilities may help predict success.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2017

Brain white matter structure and language ability in preschool-aged children

Brain alterations are associated with reading and language difficulties in older children, but little research has investigated relationships between early language skills and brain white matter structure during the preschool period. We studied 68 children aged 3.0-5.6 years who underwent diffusion tensor imaging and participated in assessments of Phonological Processing and Speeded Naming. Tract-based spatial statistics and tractography revealed relationships between Phonological Processing and fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity in bilateral ventral white matter pathways, the corpus callosum, and corticospinal tracts. The relationships observed in left ventral pathways are consistent with studies in older children, and demonstrate that structural markers for language difficulties are apparent as young as 3 years of age. Our findings in right hemisphere areas that are not as commonly found in adult studies suggest that young children rely on a widespread network for language processing that becomes more specialized with age.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2017

Diffusion MRI of white matter microstructure development in childhood and adolescence: Methods, challenges and progress

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) continues to grow in popularity as a useful neuroimaging method to study brain development, and longitudinal studies that track the same individuals over time are emerging. Over the last decade, seminal work using dMRI has provided new insights into the development of brain white matter (WM) microstructure, connections and networks throughout childhood and adolescence. This review provides an introduction to dMRI, both diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and other dMRI models, as well as common acquisition and analysis approaches. We highlight the difficulties associated with ascribing these imaging measurements and their changes over time to specific underlying cellular and molecular events. We also discuss selected methodological challenges that are of particular relevance for studies of development, including critical choices related to image acquisition, image analysis, quality control assessment, and the within-subject and longitudinal reliability of dMRI measurements. Next, we review the exciting progress in the characterization and understanding of brain development that has resulted from dMRI studies in childhood and adolescence, including brief overviews and discussions of studies focusing on sex and individual differences. Finally, we outline future directions that will be beneficial to the field.

neuroscience↗